Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Signed Ship’s Passport.

JEFFERSON, Thomas and James Madison.

$12,000.00

Item Number: 149541

Rare four-language ship’s passport signed by Thomas Jefferson as President and James Madison as Secretary of State. One page, partially printed and accomplished in manuscript, dated September 10, 1802. The passport contains four columns, one in English and three translations in French, Spanish, and Dutch, and gives leave and permission to “John H. Milliken, master or commander of the Ship called the Hero… lying at present in the port of New York, bound for Bilboa and laden with Cocoa & Sugar.” Neatly signed at the center in ink by President Thomas Jefferson and countersigned below by Secretary of State James Madison. The original white paper seals remain affixed to the left side. Matted and framed with black and white portraits of Jefferson and Madison. The passport measures 20.75 inches by 16.75 inches. The entire piece measures 29.5 inches by 39 inches. A very rare large format document boasting a highly desirable combination of presidential autographs.

During his presidency (1801–1809), Jefferson sought to reduce the power of the federal government and promote an agrarian vision of American democracy rooted in Enlightenment ideals. His administration was marked by significant developments, most notably the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and demonstrated a pragmatic use of executive power that contrasted with his earlier strict constructionist views. Jefferson’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars, reflected his desire to avoid entangling alliances, though measures like the Embargo Act of 1807 ultimately proved economically damaging and politically unpopular. As Secretary of State, James Madison played a central role in executing Jefferson’s diplomatic agenda. Madison worked to navigate the complex international tensions of the time, particularly issues surrounding American neutrality, impressment of sailors, and trade restrictions. His tenure at the State Department laid the groundwork for his own presidency, as he gained crucial experience in foreign policy and governance during a transformative period in early American history.